Healthy Living Books DVD

Rating: - Would Edie Sedgewick be pleased? I doubt it.
I bought this film as I love watching films set in the 60s era, added to which Edie Sedgewick became something of a legend after her death and I was intrigued to see what was so special about this woman.

Despite a fantastic performance by Guy Pearce, who played the fickle and (in my opinion) largely talentless Andy Warhol, I was truly disappointed in the lack-lustre performances of the 'supporting cast' and, I am sorry to say, in Sienna Miller's portrayal of the leading lady. One of the cover recommendations is that, "Sienna Miller's performance cannot be bettered". I would wholeheartedly agree with that statement - I think the part was far too big for her and she failed to capture the complex character that Edie Sedgewick undoubtedly was. I think a good effort was made but the character was over-played and there seemed to be a complete lack of empathy in the acting with what Edie Sedgewick must have felt.

Perhaps it was in the writing, or the direction (or lack thereof), but the story seemed to rumble onwards to the inevitable conclusion of Edie's overdose without ever explaining how or why the events transpired in the way they did.

The supporting cast of the 'musician' and associated hangers on were entirely forgettable and didn't add to the storyline in any way.

I'm not surprised that the film 'flopped', a biopic should focus on the characters involved, not attempt to prop up a weak storyline with countless 'arty' diversions and unnecessary sex scenes between people who didn't matter to the plot.

The subject was poignant and would have made a good and thought-provoking story - a child abused by its father and the adverse impact of this... if the other characters had been developed to support the story, it might have worked.

As it was, without Guy Pearce, the film wouldn't merit even one star, in my view. Guy Pearce's portrayal of Andy Warhol was enigmatic and believable - I always thought that Andy Warhol was vapid, self-absorbed, sycophantic and lacking any kind of talent... except that of a Svengali-type manipulator - and Guy Pearce played the part to perfection.

---

Rating: - Beautifully Sad
I watched this film not really knowing what to expect and what I found was a story told with such beauty and sadness it made me want to watch it all over again.
The story of Edie Sedgwick is one of glamour,adventure,excitement,sorrow and eventually demise.
Edie (Sienna Miller) is truly a joy to watch on screen, not only is she beautiful but she is captivating and after watching the documentay of Edie Sedgiwck, the similarities in terms of looks, are uncanny.
This film made me smile and cry within minutes of each other, Edie's story is one of such sadness the film makes you want to reach out and help her but knowing that its too late as the credits roll.

I would defnitely recommend this film, it gives a fantastic insight into an iconic young woman who simply wanted to love and be loved in return.

---

Rating: - Amazing
I really don't understand how people can be so malicious about this movie. I was hesitant about watching it as I thought it looked good, but I really wasn't a Miller fan. But having watched it, I honestly loved it. I'm not saying it couldnt be improved, because couldn't everything? But I thought Sienna, Hayden and Guy were really good, I loved the used of music in the film which helped put it in the era it belonged, costumes were great and I generally really liked it, people criticise that it blames Warhol for Edie's demise, but honestly, they weren't there and neither was I, so we can't judge, although Andy was known to be kind of manipulative, and the same people also say Guy Pearce acted him brilliantly. I'd also like to say that my two best friends were sceptical, both telling me that they hated Sienna Miller, but one night I made them watch it, as it's definately in my top 5 favourites. So we all sat and watched it and they admitted afterwards that they loved it. All in all, a great paced film, which will probably make you want to live in the sixties and be part of the it group. Watch it with an open mind.

---

Rating: - Disappointing
I found this film rather slow and a bit tedious. The best part was the last half hour where you see Edie's descent into drug abuse. However the acting was excellent especially Guy Pierce as Andy Warhol.

---

Rating: - Well I loved it!
Having read about Andy Warhol and his infamous factory as a student, I had some bare bones of knowledge about Edie Sedgwick's life. I had very much looked forward to seeing this film, despite its mixed reviews and I wasn't disappointed. It has authentic period touches, from an external shot of sixties NYC yellow cabs lined up outside a building, to Edie's clothes, many of which were original vintage rather than wardrobe department copies. The story is an old, old story of idealism, fame and disillusionment and ruin. Its happening right now to cetain celebrities and certainly serves as no advert for drug use. However, I will say that the story is strictly Edie-centric, so if her story doesn't interest you, then avoid, since she is in almost every frame. Sienna Miller's performance as Edie is outstanding, right down to the cultured East coast accent. She goes from stunning ingenue to haunted ghoul, without flaw. Warhol's embarrassed nonchalence makes him see only too heartless next to her histrionics, especially in the pivotel scene in the restaurant where she accuses him of ruining her. His response is to refuse to help her, and leave with his entourage. Much credit must go to Guy Pearce too, as Warhol- a superb actor who quietly gets on with his job, with little fanfare.

There are of course, instances of poetic licence plotwise, and who but Edie will ever know her true story? But its does pay graphic homage to a poor little rich girl who was a product of a unique era in time.